Disclaimer: All characters except for Meagan, Sasha and a few minor other characters, belong to George Lucas, and we are not receiving any profit off this work of fiction.

This is written in first person point of view of Meagan unless otherwise noted.

From Earth to Star Wars

Part One: Pre-TPM

Meagan travels from Earth to Star Wars and becomes friends with Qui-Gon Jinn and

Obi-Wan Kenobi

Chapter Eight

Life at the Temple continued on. The three tykes I was working with found a new home through local child services that we worked with. Through that service, I met a young woman Dede, and her husband. (Marlo, her husband, was quite well known for fixing things and his coffee shop, not too far from the Temple itself.) Dede and I immediately hit if off, especially in our desire to help little ones. It was also nice to make a friend outside of the Temple.

When I wasn't working, I spent time studying the Republic's language, cooking, and other survival skills, taught mostly by Qui-Gon. The one thing that frustrated me the most was when I tried to use the Force, I couldn't. However, when I didn't, things happened. For instance, when I couldn't quite reach something, the next thing I knew it was in my hands. Since I was not allowed to be trained as a Jedi, I figured with time and practice on my own, I might eventually master a few things besides calming myself and meditating. I still wondered how I managed to Force throw the man against the wall. I came to realize that, as Qui-Gon said and as I discovered in my session with Master Yoda, that the Force was in me. I just had to find a way to access it.

I nearly wanted to find a way to put myself in a life or death situation where I would use the Force, but I didn't think that idea would go over to well. I may be a little bold sometimes, but I certainly don't go looking for trouble. However, I knew trouble would eventually find me or the Force, in its own time, would allow me to use its power for some reason or another. I just had to be patient.

I was beginning to enjoy myself here, despite its sometimes strangeness and the fact that I still missed Earth, sometimes so much it was a raw pain in my chest. Most of the Jedi were finally beginning to accept my strange presence here and I started making several friends outside the ones I knew through Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. Though Bant, Garen and Reeft were still a bit wary of me. I think mostly because of the strong friendship that Obi-Wan and I somehow formed. The connection to this Padawan was something of a mystery to me, but his being there for me was comforting. Of course, not that Qui-Gon wasn't there too, but there was something about the Padawan that reminded me of my dad.

It was after Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon returned from a mission that Obi-Wan and I finally got up to the observation deck. (The Jedi leaving without me wasn't as scary as I thought. I was still watched by the Council, but since Master Yoda's approval of my stay, and my work with children, I did just fine without their constant protection. Even though I missed the friendship I had with both Jedi while they were gone.)

"Wow." Was about the only thing I could say as I stared up at the sky from one of the Temple's tallest buildings.

"It is an amazing sight." Obi-Wan chuckled. "Does it look like your sky?"

I gazed at the twinkling stars and the bottomless backdrop of black velvet for a long moment before speaking. "It does, but it doesn't."

He turned slightly gazing up, before turning back to me as I couldn't help, but ask.

"Are these all planets or stars or both and how can you tell the difference?"

The young Padawan held up his hands, as if in surrender and sarcastically drawled in his accent that I had come to like a little too much. "Easy Meagan, one question at a time."

I laughed at the look on his face. "All right then, where are the planets?"

He gave me a lopsided smile and began pointing out different star systems and planets. It still amazed me how we traveled across one end to another in a little ship.

"What kind of ship is that?" I asked him, pointing in the sky at a small moving object that I knew was no falling star.

Obi-Wan followed my line of sight. "A Republic Cruiser. Traffic can be pretty thick going in and out of the city." He grew quiet and I just knew he was thinking about something more than star/planet gazing.

"What is it?" I asked quietly, almost unsure about speaking my thoughts, especially since I seemed to be reading some of his.

However, he didn't seem to be bothered or that he was extremely good at hiding it. "You need to learn how to fly."

"Me? Fly a ship?" I squawked. "Have you lost your mind?"

He shook his head, but didn't turn his eyes from the twinkling bliss. "No and I think you should learn, for your own good. There may come a time that you might need the skill to survive. Yes, most times you can catch a transport, but it's never safe to rely completely on that."

I thought about that for a second or two, realizing he was right. "Well, you do have a point, but Qui-Gon certainly wouldn't allow you to teach me."

He laughed at that. "You're right there, but I was thinking it would be best to put you in the flight simulators. It would teach you the basics of flying, so you would be able to handle most ships you would come across."

I nodded, then asked. "What about speeders and things like that?"

"That won't be a problem." He grinned and I wondered if he was thinking what I thought he was.

"Like Qui-Gon would let me get on another speeder bike with you." I couldn't help, but smirk. "Mr. Need for Speed."

He shrugged. "So, I can be a bit headstrong sometimes. It's a part of the charm."

"Charm? Is that what is?"

"Very funny, Meagan, very funny." He began leading me back down the hallway, away from the night sky. "But seriously, I'll see about getting you to learn how to, unless you really don't want to."

I thought about it for a moment, almost scared to learn, but something inside told me I needed to. "I can do it."

He nodded as we got on a turbolift, went down several floors and then went to our own rooms.

*******

Through the next several weeks, I slowly began to learn how to fly. It was a totally new experience for me to say the least, but the Padawan was right. This was a skill I needed to learn no matter how long my stay here was. And I was right in Qui-Gon's reaction to Obi-Wan teaching me how to fly a speeder. Absolutely not. That was his job. Laughing, I gave Obi-Wan an I told you so look. He just glared at me and turned back to his books.

It wasn't too long that I discovered how much time had passed since I had been in the Star Wars universe and how far away from home I really was. It had been nearly half a year. Stunned beyond belief, I sat back in the couch in my quarters, not wanting to believe it. I glanced again at the records I was studying, which happened to be the flow of time, and began to translate it to Earth time.

Suddenly, the walls in my room began to cave in on me. Getting up, I left the room for the Temple Gardens, settling myself in a far corner. I curled my legs underneath me, wanting to go home. I had battled my homesickness pretty well so far, but this was different. If I was on Earth, I would be getting ready for Christmas, which also meant my birthday, since it's on December 18th. If I had calculated it right, my birthday was in exactly one week.

I was prepared to be spending the holiday away from my family and friends, but being on the same planet, I could at least get in touch with them somehow. I still hoped they weren't worried about me. Closing my eyes, I could nearly see the tree that we had picked out in the woods outside my grandparent's farm. It would have been decorated with white lights, with all the ornaments Seth and I made as children, along with the ones his children were making. We would sing carols or listen to them on the radio as we decorated or maybe watch the old "Miracle on 34th Street." Mom would make her special hot coca and popcorn. Of course we ate more than went on the tree. However, that was the fun of it.

I felt the tears well up in my eyes, wanting to see the white blankets of snow covering the hills and the brightness of the stars twinkling in the velvety darkness above.

Colorado always seemed to look so peaceful and quiet in the dead of winter, with lights glistening in the distance.

"Meagan?" Obi-Wan's voice brought me out of the trance I was in.

I looked up to find him standing over me as I hastily wiped my eyes. "How did you find me?"

He shrugged. "Something told me you would be here."

I tried not to show my reaction to that. It was uncanny to realize how well we seemed to know each other. It was almost if I knew him, personally that is, my entire life. It was almost beginning to scare me with how we seemed to read each other's minds and complete each other's sentences.

"What's bothering you?"

"I'm fine." I hoped it sounded as good as I meant it.

He raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I sighed. Might as well tell him. "If I was at home, it would be Christmas."

"Is that a holiday on Earth?" He asked as he sat down next to me, his thighs brushing gently against mine.

I nodded as I told him about it. "Do cultures here have something like that?"

"Some do, some don't. It's not universal." He paused as he studied something I couldn't focus on. "There is something else isn't there?"

I shook my head. "Stop reading my mind."

"I'm not." He smiled slightly as he continued. "But it's not too hard to pick up on your thoughts."

I stared at him for a second. "Am I that readable to everyone?"

He shook his head. "I heard the Council was impressed with your composure and shield control. For some reason, we can read each other fairly well. It sometimes happens between friends."

He didn't seem concerned about it, but I still was. Sometimes my own parents didn't know what I was thinking.

"You going to tell me or do I have to drag it out of you?"

"I'm hurt." I faked a glare. "And to think I thought you were a gentlemen."

He laughed and the sound warmed my heart. Maybe a little companionship was what I needed.

"Exactly a week from now is my birthday, if you must know."

"Really?" At my nod, he asked. "What do you do on your birthday?"

"Just hang out with my family and friends and eat way too much chocolate."

"So Earth has chocolate?"

I gasped. "You know what it is?"

"Of course. There is a shop that has every kind possible. It specializes in flavors from across the galaxy."

"Can we go?" I immediately asked, wanting some, nearly tasting its sweetness.

He shrugged. "I don't see why not. I have to go to a place to do some investigating regarding the black market case. It's right there. This isn't dangerous, so you can come along."

Impulsively, without thinking, I leaned over, throwing my arms around him. "Thank you."

He returned the embrace, but after a moment, we both realized we were holding each other, and instantaneously pulled away. "Ready?"

I nodded as we rose and then headed out of the gardens.

*******

After taking a taxi across the planet, we got out on ground level, in a pretty calm area.

"I'll just be a few minutes." Obi-Wan whispered in my ear. "Why don't you look around that shop? I'll find you when I'm done."

I nodded and headed into what looked like a Hallmark or craft shop. My grandmother would have loved it. I nearly had to drag her out of Hobby Lobby one time so we could get home in time for dinner. Shaking the memories away, I wound my way through the store, looking around.

It wasn't until I got to one painting that my attention was really caught. I held my breath as I looked at the beautiful canvas. There was a small cabin in the corner, surrounded by mountains, capped with snow. A soft flowing stream wound its way down through the painting. Animals, that resembled deer or elk, drank at the stream. The sky was bright blue with big fluffy clouds. It looked so much like the places in the Rockies where we used to go to on vacations.

"That's beautiful." Obi-Wan had come to stand up next to me.

I nodded. "My friend Lisa's dad had a cabin a lot like this one. I swear the painter must have been there because it looks too much like it."

He chuckled. "I doubt that, but that sure looks like a fun place to play, but I know kids would just get into trouble too."

I laughed as we turned and slowly left the store. "We got into so much trouble, whether we were there or back home."

He grinned as we walked down the street toward the chocolate shop. "What kinds of trouble?"

"Can't be any worse than what you did as a kid."

He regarded me for a moment before answering. "I'll be the judge of that."

Shifting through the many memories, I began to tell him about some of my childhood.

I stopped short as we entered the shop, filled with different types of chocolate. On Earth, if there were a shop, you would have all the famous types. First of all, not biased, would be the Rocky Mountain Chocolate, which is to die for. Then there would be the chocolate covered strawberries from Lamies Candy in Texas and right next to it would be the Sears candy that the Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon, is known for. Of course there is Swiss chocolate which literally melts in your mouth.

However, I wasn't at home, but this stuff looked just as good, and just as bad for you. "What's the best one?"

He looked pained for a moment, slightly reminding me of my dad again. "Don't make me decide."

I laughed, knowing if he was ever pulled to Earth and I was there, that I couldn't decide either. "Okay, what several then?"

We went around the room and finally settled on a couple different pieces. We munched on them as we left and caught an air taxi back to the Temple. "Thank you. You don't know how much this means to me. It's sometimes so hard being away from home."

He nodded. "I know."

The rest of the ride was quiet and relaxed, but I had the distinct impression that Obi-Wan had something up his sleeve.

*******

It wasn't too long before the week passed. I never brought up my birthday again and the Jedi never mentioned it. So, on that day, I was eating a simple breakfast, trying to decide how to get through it without crying, when my comlink started blinking.

"Meagan are you doing anything today?" Qui-Gon's voice came over the frequency.

"Nothing in particular." I paused, wondering what he was up to. "Why?"

"Just wondering if you wanted to do something with Obi-Wan and I today."

I smiled, wondering if Obi-Wan told him about my birthday. "Love too. I'll be over as soon as I can get ready."

"Good." He closed down the communication and I got ready for the day, hoping the two Jedi could distract me.

*******

It only took me about half an hour to get over to Qui-Gon's quarters. When I entered the two Jedi were sitting calmly, reading. They barely looked up as I entered and helped myself to a cup of tea. "So, what did you two have in mind?"

The two looked at each other and smiled knowingly. "Not much."

I sat down on the couch next to Qui-Gon and peaked over his shoulder to the paper he was reading as I took a sip. "What are you reading?"

"Nothing much." He smiled the corners of his mouth turning up. "Oh, I picked up something for you on our last mission."

I perked up slightly. "You did?"

Obi-Wan laughed. "Be careful Meagan or you might be getting a rock."

I gave him a look, even though I heard the story and knew how much he actually cherished it.

Qui-Gon pulled a package from behind him. "Happy Birthday."

I smiled as he placed it in my hands. I unwrapped the small package easily. Inside lay a Dimarian Crystal. Saying it was beautiful would not even begin to describe it. It shined with light and changed colors as I held it in the palm of my hand.

"It's known for changing colors, but after one person has it for a good time, the color changes according to the mood of the being." Qui-Gon explained it to me. "The name Dimarian in their native tongue means light bearer."

I smiled as I dug through the package and pulled out a chain with a piece of crystal on it.

Qui-Gon shrugged. "It's also supposed to bring luck to whoever wears them."

"Thank you." I leaned over and embraced the older Jedi. "It's wonderful. I can honestly say I've seen nothing like it."

"I thought you might like it." We smiled at each other as Obi-Wan perched on the edge of the couch with a package in his hands.

"And since you liked our chocolate so much, I stopped by the other day and got you some." Obi-Wan handed it to me.

I clapped my hands together in delight, finding enough goodies to last me quite a while. "That's so sweet. When did you find the time to get it?"

He smiled and vanished around the corner. "When I got this."

I felt tears in my eyes as I looked at the painting that reminded me so much of home. I hopped up, throwing my arms around the actual surprised Padawan. "Thank you both, so much."

The two looked at each other and I knew the day was far from over.

*******

Unfortunately, Qui-Gon got called away on duty before we left the Temple, but he promised to make it up to me later. So, Obi-Wan and I headed to the big park in the city for the picnic they had planned. It was a lot like Central Park in New York City. Lots of grass, flowers, benches, statues, people, birds. It was really exquisite and I enjoyed walking through it with Obi-Wan.

"This is wonderful." I breathed in the scent of fresh flowers.

"Would you like to take some home with you?" I knew he was referring to the Temple, verses my home on Earth.

I smiled. "That would be wonderful."

Without saying a word and barely moving his hands, he arranged a flower bouquet right in front of me. I laughed as he floated it into my outstretched hands. I breathed in the scent, cherishing the sweetness and the thoughtfulness of the giver. "Thanks again for a wonderful day." I walked over to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

He blushed slightly and quickly turned, setting down the basket. "Let's eat."

We sat down on a blanket and ate our lunch, which magically resembled my favorite Chinese foods from Earth (i.e. Cashew and Limon Chicken.)

After we ate, Obi-Wan was stretched out, looking extremely casual, but I knew beyond that calm composure was the Jedi that never let his guard down. I, meanwhile, sat cross-legged, still taking in the quiet, breathtaking gardens. The afternoon had been wonderful.

"Thank you." I looked down at him, the flowers in bloom around us. "It's made today a lot easier."

He just nodded and smiled. "It's the least we can do. You don't say much, but I know it hasn't been easy for you."

"Nothing is ever easy, here or on Earth." I pulled out a weed, twiddling it in my fingers. "But some days are harder than others."

"I don't know how I would react if I ever got pulled to Earth." He speculated, his eyes gazing across the park, seeing the different species enjoying a peaceful afternoon.

"You're trained to adjust to different places." I commented, not wanting to tell him how he might be bombarded with people asking him if he was Ewan McGregor. Obi-Wan looked a lot like the actor on Earth, especially with the accent, but over time I noticed differences in the two. Not to mention the Obi-Wan portrayed in some of the books was wrong. Some wrote how dry he was. Obi-Wan was still extremely dedicated in becoming a Jedi, and his duty and honor were still there. Though some authors missed the sense of life, the wonderful sense of humor and the loving, caring friend he was.

"True, but it still wouldn't be easy." We watched as two Bothan children ran by us, chasing butterflies. "I don't think everyone on Earth would do as well as you have done."

I couldn't help, but chuckle. "Lisa would completely freak. She's pretty cool about most things, but she was weary about me going across an ocean. I don't want to even think about her reaction to my life here."

"What are you going to tell her? She sounds like someone you are close too."

I smiled, the memories still fresh in my mind. "We've been friends since high school and we roomed together for several years in college. But I would still be clueless to explain this to her."

"You've mentioned your family and friends, but never….." Obi-Wan paused as I wondered where he was going with this. "You're not attached to anyone back on Earth are you?"

For a second I was taken back by his question, but it was honest and I'm sure they thought that a young woman such as myself would be married with a family. "No, I'm not. I went out with several men back home." I glanced to him and saw that he understood what I was taking about. "They were nice and everything like that, but our personalities just didn't click. I never felt one that my soul could really connect with, though I would like to eventually settle down and have kids."

He nodded, slowly sitting up and faced me.

"What about you?" I immediately realized what I said and continued my thought. "I mean, after your Knighthood."

He shrugged, pulling a weed. "I know some that plan on getting married and having families. There are quite a few living in the Temple, that work together as a Jedi team." He paused before continuing. "In all honesty, I've never given much thought to it. Since as long as I can remember, being a Jedi was my dream. Though, lately I've had a dream that I can't quite figure out."

Intrigued, I asked him to continue. "What is it about?"

"I think this takes place years from now and I'm a Jedi Master tucking a little one into bed. I'm reading a story of Jedi lore that we all heard growing up."

He stopped and looked to me, as for approval to continue.

"Could it just be your future Padawan?" Maybe he was dreaming of Anakin I couldn't help, but think.

He shook his head. "That's what I first thought too, but the voice is too young."

"Can you see him?"

"Actually he's a her and no I can't make out any distinctive features. Before I thought it was just a group of initiates that I was reading too, but that doesn't seem right. She was cuddled close against me and all I felt was peace and happiness holding this toddler in my arms. She's just about asleep and calls me daddy."

My eyes widened at that. I wondered if this dream was going to come true. As far as I knew, George Lucas had never written Obi-Wan a love life or a wife. One of the pre-TPM authors wrote a character that he loved, but that was as a thirteen-year-old boy. "Do you think she's actually your daughter?"

"I don't know Meagan. It certainly is a possibility that I'll meet someone later in my life, and marry another Jedi Knight and have children. But I won't base my future on it, since dreams pass with time, but I've been having this one for some time now. It's nothing pressing or frightening. I just wonder where it came from."

"We can't help what we dream. Sometimes they come from our unconscious thoughts, things we don't even realize in our every day thought."

He nodded, still deep in thought. "I know."

"Have you talked to Qui-Gon about this?" I asked quietly.

He shook his head. "He's never been one to put much stock into dreams and visions, except where Tahl was concerned."

"It was just a dream Obi-Wan." I said, placing loose curls behind my ears.

He leaned closer, fingering a curl. "That's what I've been telling myself, but it's disconcerting when you dream of your daughter."

I smiled. "That would scare me too." I remembered the little one, the vision I'd seen, that I had forgotten, until today that it is. It had scared me too and I didn't dare mention it to him now.

"I don't think much can scare you off." He smiled back.

"Well, that seems to be the way I deal with things." I shrugged slightly. "I just seem to come out fighting."

"You've survived."

I shook my head. "I've had a lot of help from you and Qui-Gon and if Master Yoda didn't allow me to stay, who knows where I would be now."

Obi-Wan stood up and stretched as we packed up our picnic lunch. "It was just the will of the Force."

I nodded as I folded up the blanket we'd been sitting on. "I know."

He tucked the basket under his arm, and then handed me the flowers. "Don't forget this."

"How could I?" I breathed in the fresh scent of the flowers as I gazed into tender look in Obi-Wan's eyes.

"We'd best get back to the Temple." He said, breaking the gaze and stepped back.

I nodded and we wordless headed back.

*******

AN: We just thought our readers might like a little Earth on Star Wars, especially since this is the Christmas season and we did want Meagan to have a birthday with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. It seemed to flow well to include both at the same time. Just as a side note, Cashew and Limon Chicken happen to be our favorite Chinese meals and couldn't help, but add that to the story.

By now I'm sure you all are wondering why Meagan was pulled from Earth. Of course, she is the one that has special gifts regarding children, and that is one of the reasons. However, the main reason, will be revealed in part two. So, please stay tuned till then. Thanks again for reading and have a blessed week.